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Choosing a Video Game System: Which One Is Best for Kids?
By Mark Robbins
In the old days, choosing a video game system for children wasn't all that
hard. After all, parents didn't have to worry about games carried by systems
like Atari (there was nothing threatening about Pac-Man or Space Invaders).
Today, however, with the proliferation of games with mature content available on
games supported by the major system manufacturers, parents want to know which
system carries the most kid-friendly games, ones that the young ones will enjoy
and one that parents will not regret spending money on.
Let's start with the Sony PlayStation 2, the best-selling game console on the
market today. There are literally thousands of titles available for this system,
which cater to every age range. There are approximately 600 games for the PS2
that have the "E" rating, meaning that it is suitable for players ages six and
above. However, many of these games are too complicated for young children to
play. Games that children ten years old and above can enjoy are rated E10+,
while those that are rated EC (Early Childhood) are of course, suitable for the
very young. The PS2 carries about a dozen E10+ games, including movie-based
titles like Shrek Super Slam for PlayStation 2 and Chicken Little. EC titles
that little ones can enjoy include Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purple
Planet, Eggo Mania and At the Races Presents Gallop Racer.
Nintendo's GameCube console continues to be popular because it carries titles
that are popular with children. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
lists 263 video game titles rated E for the GameCube, and these include some of
the most popular and beloved among the children of today and years past, such as
Sega's Sonic GEMS Collection, Nintendo's own Mario Party 6 and Mario Tennis. The
Legend of Zelda series and several Pokemon titles are available exclusively on
the GameCube as well.
Microsoft's Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles likewise have many, many
titles that are rated E; the Xbox with approximately 270 games and the Xbox 360
with so far about a dozen -- but count on the number of Xbox 360 titles to
increase since it's a new release. Some games published by Microsoft exclusively
for the Xbox and the Xbox 360 and which have the E rating are Astropop and
Feeding Frenzy. However, remember that most game publishers release crossover
titles, or games that are available on multiple platforms. For instance, Eidos
Interactive's LEGO Star Wars (rated E) is available for the GameCube, PS2 and
Xbox; Activision's Madagascar (rated E10+) is available on the same platforms,
while Global Star Software's Dora the Explorer (rated EC) is available on the
PS2 and Xbox, but not on the GameCube.
What about parental control options? Among the four systems, the Xbox and the
Xbox 360 have the most efficient parental lock functions. Parents are able to
set limits on the games and films to be played on the systems. If you set the
system to play only E-rated games, kids won't be able to play DVD's or games
that have Teen, Mature, or Adults Only ratings. The GameCube also has a parental
lock feature, albeit a less effective one. Users note that all it does is tone
down certain effects that might be troubling for children (for example, the
amount of blood seen in games) but do not block the playing of games at all. It
doesn't even screen or bleep offensive language. The parental control function
of the PlayStation 2 is even worse -- it doesn't allow parents or anyone to
restrict access to video games at all. The most parents can do is to set the PS2
to prevent their kids from watching DVD movies with inappropriate content.
When it comes to price, the GameCube comes out tops. Available for only $99,
it's significantly cheaper than the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, whose prices range
from $150 to $199 (or more if bundled with game titles). The Xbox 360, being the
newest of the bunch, is the highest-priced. For $299, you get the system and a
wired controller. For $399, you get a wireless controller, a headset that
players can use to talk to other people online, a 20 GB hard drive that is
loaded with game-related videos and music, and a remote.
Parents should go out and try each system personally as well as look at the
different titles available for them before deciding which one to buy. Factors
such as number and age of users at home, game title availability, and budget
should also be considered. Each system has its own pros and cons, and families
will differ in their preferences: some will be content with the limited but
popular games of the GameCube; some might prefer the wider offering of the
PlayStation 2 or the Xbox; others might opt for the high-tech features of the
Xbox 360. But all things considered, making the right choice will provide hours
of wholesome, fun, and worry-free entertainment for the little ones and for
their parents as well.
About the Author
Mark Robbins is a gamer providing valuable tips and advice on video game systems, game cheats, and giving new game reviews.
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